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How does Google make money from Docs?

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big_malk

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Aug 7, 2005
557
1
Scotland
I've started using Google Docs recently, and really like it. But I noticed there isn't a single advert anywhere on it... so how do they make money from Docs?
I know Gmail give adverts based on what your email is about and stuff, but Docs doesn't.
I've searched around and can't find any explanation of how they make their money, any one know?
 
edesignuk

edesignuk

Moderator emeritus
Mar 25, 2002
19,232
2
London, England
For personal private use I don't think they do make money from it, but Google as ever take the broader view.

If you use Google docs it becomes yet another service of theirs you use, inevitably you will use other services that do earn them money, lots of money!
 
B

big_malk

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Aug 7, 2005
557
1
Scotland
Oh I didn't realise there was a premium version.

Doesn't seem like they'd make that much money from it at the low prices, and surely businesses that need full featured packages would use things like MS Word?

Well, can't complain anyway, Docs is great and its great of Google to make it free for most of us :)
 
Kwill

Kwill

macrumors 68000
Mar 10, 2003
1,595
1
Google prides itself upon knowing as much as possible about every individual using a computer, including their interests (via searches) and their location (via iPhone queries). GMail and Docs include cookies that piece together more valuable shapes of the puzzle called "you." The IP and now phone-related information is used to optimize searches and sell targeted ads. The extensive records have been the focal point of heated legal debates. For this reason, some prefer to use alternate search engines like Scroogle Scraper.
 
kkat69

kkat69

macrumors 68020
Aug 30, 2007
2,013
1
Atlanta, Ga
For those services that aren't 'paid' for or should I say the premium services, google makes a ton of money off hosted advertising.
 
koobcamuk

koobcamuk

macrumors 68040
Oct 23, 2006
3,195
9
Kwill said:
Google prides itself upon knowing as much as possible about every individual using a computer, including their interests (via searches) and their location (via iPhone queries). GMail and Docs include cookies that piece together more valuable shapes of the puzzle called "you." The IP and now phone-related information is used to optimize searches and sell targeted ads. The extensive records have been the focal point of heated legal debates. For this reason, some prefer to use alternate search engines like Scroogle Scraper.
Click to expand...

Interesting and a bit scary. I just deleted my facebook account and I dont like google knowing what I am doing. My daily porn search is my daily porn search.
 
B

big_malk

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Aug 7, 2005
557
1
Scotland
Kwill said:
Google prides itself upon knowing as much as possible about every individual using a computer, including their interests (via searches) and their location (via iPhone queries). GMail and Docs include cookies that piece together more valuable shapes of the puzzle called "you." The IP and now phone-related information is used to optimize searches and sell targeted ads. The extensive records have been the focal point of heated legal debates. For this reason, some prefer to use alternate search engines like Scroogle Scraper.
Click to expand...

So does Google Docs scan my documents and use that to build their picture of me?
I know they scan emails and keep a log of my searches, but I just assumed Docs was private, since they don't show adverts directly on Docs, and it's a lot more personal than a simple search query?
 
W

wpgcoder

macrumors newbie
Dec 1, 2008
1
0
big_malk said:
I've started using Google Docs recently, and really like it. But I noticed there isn't a single advert anywhere on it... so how do they make money from Docs?
Click to expand...

An amazing explanation to how does google make money... their article explains how they make money in general, now they don't necessarly have to place ads to make money on products.

They will find a way sooner or later with ads, maybe they just want to get the users on the product first before smashing ads in our face
 
C

chameleon81

macrumors 6502
May 16, 2006
434
0
In my opinion those services are not to make money yet.

If Google does not invest money on Office Application Microsoft will be very comfortable with his search engine investments.

Now Microsoft has to divide the money on search engine improvement and on R&D of Microsoft Offlice Live. ( Which is improving a lot in my opinion )

I think they are playing some sort of chess :)
 
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